When it comes to playtime, my son has been captivated by every plastic firearm he can spot in holiday toy catalogs for the past few Christmases. He seems irresistibly drawn to them, much like a moth to a flame. Each year, I find myself reminding him that Santa knows we have a no-toy-gun policy in our house—guns are not toys, after all. Santa won’t be bringing him a toy gun, and while I understand his disappointment, I stand firm in my beliefs.
At six years old, my son’s belief in Santa is waning. This past holiday season, I entertained the thought of the pure joy he would feel discovering an extravagant toy gun under the tree. The temptation was strong, but instead, I opted for a Spider-Man web shooter. Call me a hypocrite, but I feel comfortable allowing my children to play with toy weapons, as long as they aren’t guns.
My kids, aged nine and six, have an assortment of toy weapons: swords, nunchucks, light sabers, wands, and ninja stars. They engage in imaginative play as pirates, spies, and wizards, all while wielding their “weapons” against imaginary foes. This type of fantasy play is beneficial for children, promoting creativity and problem-solving rather than aggression. Sure, their play can get a little rowdy, but it’s no more intense than a wrestling match or a pillow fight. I don’t worry that this kind of play will escalate into something dangerous.
The thought of my children using a real weapon inappropriately is far-fetched, especially considering the rarity of incidents involving non-gun weapons. I haven’t heard of any mass incidents involving nunchucks. Yes, it’s my responsibility to teach my kids to never harm others, regardless of their playthings. However, the glorification of guns in society has numbed us to their real-life consequences, and I refuse to contribute to that normalization by allowing toy guns in our home.
I am open to my kids seeing conflict and some forms of fighting, as well as recognizing violence beyond typical playground interactions. I do set boundaries regarding the level of violence they can witness, as I believe excessive fighting and gore offer no value. Playing with toy guns, or engaging in media with gun violence, feels self-indulgent and inconsiderate. There’s nothing entertaining about pretending to aim and shoot at another person, even in play.
As someone who has grappled with suicidal thoughts involving a firearm, the subject is particularly sensitive for me. My children are adept at transforming everyday items into makeshift guns, and I keep a close eye on that behavior. Whether it’s sticks, Lego creations, or other objects, I quickly intervene when they start pointing them as if they’re guns. Even mock shooting gestures, like pretending to shoot themselves with a finger, unsettle me. I’m aware some might see me as overly sensitive, but prioritizing my mental well-being is just as crucial as safeguarding my children’s upbringing.
While there’s limited research linking toy guns to future aggressive behavior, some studies suggest that exposure to violent games might influence children’s actions. One study found that kids aged 8-12 who played a violent video game with guns were significantly more likely to interact with a real firearm in a separate setting than those who played non-violent games. I don’t dismiss scientific findings, but I will hold firm to my family’s rules. I won’t allow my children to simulate shooting someone in our home. This policy is not just about promoting gun safety; it’s also about fostering an awareness of the devastation that can stem from gun violence.
When my son’s birthday comes around in June, he may have forgotten that there’s no chance of receiving a toy gun. He’ll likely ask, and I’ll have to say no. He may feel let down, and I might experience a brief moment of guilt, but I stand by my decision without regrets.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while I allow my children to engage in imaginative play with various toy weapons, toy guns remain off-limits. Establishing firm boundaries around what is acceptable in play is essential for fostering a healthy understanding of violence and its consequences. For further insights on parenting and related topics, you can check out our other blog post on home insemination, or explore the authoritative source on this subject at Intracervical Insemination and American Pregnancy.